Severity of Derek Newton's injury still TBD

Derek Newton left early in the first quarter with what looked to be a serious knee injury on Houston's third offensive series.

The Texans lost starting right tackle Derek Newton early in Monday’s night's 27-9 loss to Denver. Newton left early in the first quarter with what looked to be a serious knee injury on Houston's third offensive series. After being examined by medical trainers on the field, the Texans starting right tackle was carted off the field and did not return.

Despite early reports of the severity of Newton’s injury, head coach Bill O’Brien says they are unsubstantiated.

“He hasn’t even had an MRI," O'Brien said after the game. "I heard that someone was tweeting things out and I don’t understand that. I don’t even understand where that comes from. We haven’t even done an MRI on the guy yet. I don’t even know. It’s just amazing to me how that even happens.”

Newton required the assistance of a few teammates, including Duane Brown and Xavier Su’a-Filo to get on the medical cart. Seeing his fellow offensive lineman go down was difficult, Brown said.

“It hurt a lot,” Brown said. “He’s like a little brother to me. I know how hard he’s worked, how much he puts into this game and been battling through injuries quite a bit. I know how that feels and I went through something similar last year. I hurt for him and I’m praying for him.”

Veteran tackle Chris Clarke stepped in for Newton for the remainder of the game.